The diamondback moth

The diamondback moth, Ptutella xylostella is known by most agricultural researchers to have been introduced to North America from Europe. This moth is known to belong to the lepidopteran order of the insecta class of arthropods. It is known to be the most destructive insect pest of brassica crops like cabbage and lettuce.  Over the years, most people who have tried controlling the incidence of this pest usually resort to solely using chemical control methods to reduce impact of pests usually realize that this moth develops resistance to the chemicals used to combat them. They generally easily build resistance to synthetic pyrethroid insecticides.
The entirety of the growth stages of the diamondback moth is detrimental to brasssica crops. The moth lays eggs on plants and during the developmental stages of the pupa, the caterpillar usually tunnels like a leaf miner, causing defoliation on most leafy vegetables. It also causes contamination by pupating within Brussels sprouts and other florets of crops within the brassica family. The adult moth is generally known to be most active at dusk.
In an attempt to control growing populations of the diamondback moth from exceeding economic thresholds, leading to higher economic injury levels, one must use an integrated approach in controlling this pest. This can be achieved by adopting good horticultural practices by rotating crops and regularly cleaning the farm/garden. When using insecticides, one must use recommended rates by the producer. Also, rotating the use of chemicals would help in achieving a greater impact in terms of controlling the moth’s population. Botanical control methods can also be incorporated by using neem extracts, nicotine from tobacco.
Try and read more articles  online for more information on how to control this pest because your agronomic actions with respect to controlling the diamond back moth can either augment or diminish your overall yield. Please leave your comments in the comment section. Your feedback is very essential to us. Remain diversified.
written by;
the programs coordinator,
Mr. Alhassan Moses Joshua,
Podiumfolks International.

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